Women in Print

Book buffs will soon be treated to an author visit event, with not one, not two, but three female authors uniting to present their new biographical releases next week in Stanthorpe and Warwick.

Southern Downs Regional Council Libraries is pleased to present ‘Women in Print’ with authors Jenny Old, Marisa Parker and Livia York, each who have written about their personal and family journeys that have taken them from places as far-flung as Italy, Africa and the vast outback to becoming published authors.

On the back of International Women’s Day and in light of the ever-pressing issue of gender pay and work equality, the council feels it is important for the community to

collectively appreciate and celebrate the female authors who have dedicated their lives to their craft.

In their own distinct style, each author has chronicled the trouble and pain of confronting natural disaster, war, abuse and the immigrant experience, and the joy of survival and triumph against the odds.

For the 4th year in a row now, the VIDA count – an annual study showing the ratio of male to female authored novels that are reviewed each year – has outlined the increasing gender bias in the book reviewing scene, with prominent magazines like the New York Times and the London Book Review showing an

80/20 bias in favour of male-authored novels.With roughly the same amount of books being authored by men and women each year, the Council believes it’s concerning to think that novels written by women are being denied the same opportunities for publicity and exposure simply because of ingrained gender bias.

Interested members of the public are invited to join these three inspirational women as they visit the Southern Downs region on Thursday, 23 March, for sessions at 10:30am at the Stanthorpe Library followed by 2:00pm at the Warwick Library. Light refreshments will be provided.